Antifreeze For Campers: What You Should Know

RV antifreeze and regular antifreeze are two different things and should not be used interchangeably. Regular antifreeze is used on car engines, whereas RV antifreeze is used on the plumbing system in your camper. The main ingredient in regular antifreeze is ethylene glycol, which is highly toxic. On the other hand, the main ingredient in RV antifreeze is propylene glycol, which is non-toxic.

Why you shouldn't use regular antifreeze in a camper

Regular antifreeze, also known as automotive antifreeze, is designed for use in the engine of a car, truck, or other automotive vehicles. It is toxic and should never be used in an RV, as it can be harmful to humans and animals if consumed.

RV antifreeze, on the other hand, is designed specifically for use in the plumbing systems of recreational vehicles. It is non-toxic, safe for RV plumbing systems and holding tanks, and can even be ingested in small amounts without causing serious harm. Here are some reasons why you shouldn't use regular antifreeze in a camper:

Toxicity:

Regular automotive antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, a highly toxic substance that is dangerous if ingested by humans or animals. It can cause serious health issues and even death if consumed in large quantities. In contrast, RV antifreeze is typically made with propylene glycol, which is non-toxic and safe for both your RV's plumbing and your family.

Damage to your RV's plumbing:

The seals in your RV's plumbing system can be dried out and damaged by regular automotive antifreeze, which contains ethanol. RV antifreeze, on the other hand, acts as a lubricant and can help extend the life of seals in your toilets and faucets. It is specifically designed to pose little risk of damage to RV holding tanks.

Environmental impact:

Regular automotive antifreeze, when dumped carelessly, can cause harm to the environment. It should never be poured down a drain or into the ground, as it can damage plant life and attract animals. RV antifreeze, on the other hand, can be safely disposed of at dump stations or home cleanout ports. While it is still important to properly dispose of RV antifreeze, it is less toxic to the environment.

Flammability:

All types of automotive antifreeze are combustible and flammable, which means they should be stored away from potential sources of ignition. RV antifreeze made with propylene glycol, on the other hand, is not flammable, reducing the risk of fire.

Cost:

While the initial cost of RV antifreeze may be higher than that of regular automotive antifreeze, it is specifically designed for your RV's plumbing system and can help prevent serious damage. The cost of repairing damaged pipes and plumbing can be much higher than the cost of purchasing the correct type of antifreeze.

In conclusion, it is important to use the correct type of antifreeze in your camper or RV. Regular automotive antifreeze is not suitable for this purpose and can be dangerous to both your RV and your family. Always opt for RV antifreeze to keep your vehicle and loved ones safe.

The dangers of using regular antifreeze in a camper

Regular automotive antifreeze is designed for use in engines and contains ethylene glycol, a toxic chemical that is harmful to humans and animals if consumed. It is not suitable for use in camper plumbing systems, which require a non-toxic antifreeze solution to protect them from freezing temperatures.

Using regular automotive antifreeze in your camper poses several risks:

Risk of Toxicity

The ethylene glycol in regular automotive antifreeze is highly toxic if ingested, inhaled, or spilled on the skin. It can cause serious health issues and even death in both humans and animals. In contrast, RV antifreeze is typically made from propylene glycol, a safer alternative that poses minimal risk to human health in case of accidental consumption or contact.

Damage to Plumbing System

Automotive antifreeze is designed for use in engines, not plastic holding tanks. Using it in your camper's plumbing system can damage the pipes, faucets, and fixtures. It can also dry out and degrade rubber seals and gaskets, leading to leaks and subsequent repairs.

Environmental Impact

Improperly disposing of automotive antifreeze by dumping it on the ground can have adverse effects on the environment. It can seep into groundwater supplies, raising toxicity levels, and harm plants, insects, and local wildlife.

Incompatibility with Unique Products

If you use Unique products in your camper, it is important to note that only propylene glycol RV antifreeze is compatible with these products. Using regular automotive antifreeze or other types of RV antifreeze (ethanol or ethylene glycol-based) will kill the good bacteria present in Unique RV Digest-It Plus.

Increased Cost and Maintenance

Automotive antifreeze is typically more expensive than propylene glycol-based RV antifreeze. Additionally, automotive antifreeze requires more frequent replacement due to its toxicity and potential health risks.

In summary, using regular automotive antifreeze in your camper instead of RV antifreeze poses health, environmental, and maintenance risks. It is essential to use the appropriate type of antifreeze to ensure the safety and proper functioning of your camper's plumbing system.

The best type of antifreeze for campers

Antifreeze is essential for protecting your camper's plumbing system from freezing temperatures. It does this by raising the freezing point of water, preventing it from freezing, expanding, and causing pipes to burst. There are several types of antifreeze, but not all are suitable for campers or RVs (recreational vehicles).

When choosing an RV antifreeze, it is important to prioritise a non-toxic solution, especially if you have children or pets. You should also look for a formula that includes lubricants and anti-corrosion additives to help keep your plumbing lines in good condition. Colour is also a factor to consider as a coloured antifreeze can help you detect leaks in your plumbing lines.

Some popular propylene glycol-based antifreeze products include:

• Star Brite Non-Toxic Antifreeze
• Camco RV Antifreeze Concentrate
• Splash RV and Marine Antifreeze
• Peak RV and Marine Antifreeze
• RecPro RV Antifreeze

How to dispose of regular antifreeze

Antifreeze should be handled with care to prevent environmental contamination and harm to pets. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to dispose of regular antifreeze:

• Ensure the antifreeze is stored in a safe, closable container to prevent spills.
• Contact local recycling centres, service stations, or auto repair shops to inquire about disposal methods.
• Do NOT pour antifreeze down the drain or outside. It should be properly drained into a dump station, septic tank, or residential sewer clean-out.
• If you are unable to transport your RV to a disposal location, you can empty the antifreeze into a portable RV waste tank and then transport that tank to the appropriate disposal site.
• Alternatively, you can take the used antifreeze to an auto parts shop or mechanic shop for extra safe disposal.
• Some municipalities allow coolant to be poured down a drain if it is diluted and leads to a municipal sewer, not a septic system.
• If you have large quantities of antifreeze, you may need a license to transport it, and it should be transported in sealed, plastic containers that are well-secured.
• Always keep antifreeze away from children and pets, as ingestion of even small amounts can be harmful or fatal.

How to dispose of camper antifreeze

Camper antifreeze should never be dumped on the ground. It can be harmful to plants, animals, and the environment. It is also dangerous for humans, especially children, as it has a sweet taste and smell that might attract them.

There are several ways to dispose of camper antifreeze properly:

• Pour it down a sink drain in a house. Most plumbing systems in towns and cities lead to a water treatment facility, where wastewater is treated and purified before being released back into the environment.
• Take it to a service station, shop, or manufacturer that has a system in place to dispose of it safely. Many automotive shops can dispose of camper antifreeze, sometimes for free or a small fee.
• Dispose of it at a hazardous waste management facility. These facilities are typically government-operated and will take volatile chemicals off your hands. Some charge a fee, while others are free to use.
• Reuse or recycle it. You can store it and use it again for your camper or other compatible vehicles, or even for your home plumbing system.

Frequently asked questions